It’s back, for now.

President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to delay TikTok’s ban and assure the company that it won’t face penalties for restoring service is yet another example of political inconsistency and weak leadership. After years of bipartisan concerns over the app’s ties to the Chinese government and its potential data security risks, this sudden reversal undermines national security efforts and prioritizes corporate interests over American safety. By granting ByteDance more time to negotiate a deal, Trump is effectively giving a foreign-owned platform more influence while sending a message that the U.S. lacks the resolve to enforce its own policies.

This move also raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to cybersecurity and data privacy. If TikTok truly poses a threat — as repeatedly suggested by intelligence officials — why allow it to operate under uncertain terms? Instead of taking decisive action to resolve the matter once and for all, Trump’s wavering approach not only sows confusion but also emboldens tech giants to continue testing regulatory boundaries. National security cannot be dictated by social media trends or public outcry; it requires firm, consistent policies that prioritize long-term interests over short-term gains.